The University of Central Missouri’s Ed Elliott Union, as it appeared when it opened in 1962 and as it appears today.

Known as the “campus living room,” the Elliott Union has been the center of student life on the UCM campus since it was dedicated and opened to the campus and community on Sept. 29, 1962. According to Deb Hobson, director of the Elliott Union, the celebration will offer an opportunity for current students, faculty and staff to join UCM alumni and the community in recognizing the importance of the facility to the history of UCM and Warrensburg.

“The Elliott Union has served the campus and community as a valuable resource for half a century,” Hobson said. “Through the decades, the university administration has been joined by students, faculty and staff in developing the Union into something more than just a building. It has become the heart of the campus while being recognized by the community as a valuable conference facility and gathering place that provides a variety of services.”

Events begin with a home-style breakfast, served for $5.50, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., followed by first showing of “The Amazing Spider-Man” in the Union Cinema at 10 a.m., with repeat showings at 2 p.m., 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The official birthday cake will be served a noon in the Union Atrium, along with the opportunity to have a photo taken with Mo the Mule, the official UCM mascot.

The grand celebration of the Union’s golden anniversary begins at 3 p.m. in the atrium with remarks by UCM President Charles Ambrose, followed by free pizza and T-shirt giveaways and free red-pin bowling in the Union Bowling Center. Those attending also may participate in the Build a Lego Union contest and open-mic night in the Café Rouge, or the viewing of classic television programs in the Union Atrium. Throughout the day, 50th anniversary specials will be offered, including 50 cent DVD rentals, 50 percent off copies at Union Pack and Ship, a $50 gift card giveaway by US Bank, 50 cent fountain drinks and coffee at Chick-Fil-A and 50 cents off the price of lattes, espressos and cappuccinos at Jazzman’s.

Capping off the day’s activities will be dance in the Union Ballroom at 8 p.m.

“We have a number of former students, faculty and campus administrators, as well as alumni, who have indicated they plan to attend” Hobson said. “All have expressed a desire to return to campus to visit the Union, where some of the fondest memories of their experiences at UCM were created.”

The construction of the Elliott Union was the outgrowth of an idea presented by President George Diemer in the late 1940s when he solicited opinions from his faculty about the construction of a student union facility. President Warren Lovinger appointed a college union planning committee in 1958, and ground was broken in 1961.

Originally known as the College Union, the facility was expanded in 1966, adding the ballroom and lounge areas and adding 10 lanes to the bowling alley. When Central Missouri State College became Central Missouri State University in 1972, the College Union became the University Union. Another major expansion in 1983 added more than 75,000 square feet, expanding current facilities and adding new features to meet demand. The building was renamed the Ed Elliott Union in 1999 upon the retirement of UCM President Ed Elliott.